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My hero brother saved my life

by Kate Weir
1/10/2008

A NINE-year-old boy has been presented with an award for saving his sister’s life.

Ben O’Connor and his older sister Hannah, 11, were walking the family dog near their home when Hannah unexpectedly passed out.

After only one first aid session with the St John Ambulance Badgers in Dukinfield, Ben, of Harper Place, Ashton knew that he had to check that his sister was still breathing and put her into the recovery position.

When he knew she was safe, he ran to call for help from a nearby phone box. His actions may have saved Hannah’s life.

Assistant leader from the Dukinfield Badgers, Emily Pardle, said: "He’s one of our smallest badgers, and such a lovely little boy. We were so proud that he used the skills that he’s learnt here to do something.  We wanted to do something to recognise what he’d done, so we put him forward for an award."

Emily and badger leader, Sandra Dearnaley, nominated Ben for the Ray Follett award for achievement — a prize for the country's best St John Ambulance badger. Out of hundreds of nominations, Ben came second.

The award, in memory of the late St John Ambulance volunteer and badger supporter Ray Follett, is awarded each year to the youngest members of St John Ambulance who have shown ‘outstanding action’.

Bob Carter, a spokesman for St. John Ambulance, said: "The outstanding action does not have to be about first aid. It could be any action that shows personal bravery or actions that help or benefit others in some way."

Ben is due to visit Buckingham Palace and meet Princess Anne to receive an achievement award in the near future.

For more information about the work of St John Ambulance, or to get involved, visit their website at www.sja.org.uk , or call 0871 423 6030.